Part 12 (1/2)
The address it bore was a number on Stockton street.
”I have a room in that house just at present,” he said.
Leggett sat quiet through all this.
Still engaging the doctor in conversation, the old detective trod on his toe.
The signal was returned.
Old King Brady felt that he had been understood, when the Secret Service man suddenly arose and said:
”Will you excuse me, Mr. Brady? I have to keep that appointment with Holes.”
”Go on,” said Old King Brady. ”You are a bit late for it now.”
He left himself as soon as the doctor's supper was served.
Going around on to China alley, he found Leggett somewhat disguised watching the rear entrance to the house of the Seven Delights.
”That man must be shadowed,” he said. ”It is useless for me to undertake it other than in a general way. He has worked for me and knows my methods of disguising. He is as keen as a razor. Some time ago he fell madly in love with Miss Montgomery, and we had all kinds of trouble with him. I am afraid he is at the bottom of her disappearance.”
”I'm on the job. Where shall I lay for him? Here or in front?”
”In front.”
”Will I do as I am?”
”It's the best you can do at short notice. Listen. You saw him give me his card. I am going to his room on Stockton street. If I can get in I shall not hesitate to give it a good overhauling. I must be quick. Do the best you can for me, Leggett.”
The Secret Service man gave his promise and Old King Brady hurried away.
The Stockton street house proved to be a four-story brick tenement filled with j.a.panese.
There was a bell-board with names on it, but that of Dr. Garshaski did not appear.
Old King Brady had just finished studying the names when a j.a.p came out through the open door.
The old detective showed the doctor's card.
”Know him?” he asked.
But the man appeared to be short on English.
”No know,” he said. Then pointing inside he made the old detective understand that he was to inquire at the last door on the right, which he did.
This proved to be the janitor, whose English was quite understandable.
”Top floor,” he said. ”He only hire room of 'nother man. Las' door left.”
Old King Brady traveled up the stairs.